Unlike Ascot and other race meets, Cheltenham does not have a particular dress code that they enforce when attending the races. This means racegoers actually need to think about what they are wearing with very little instruction. If your natural reaction is to delve into a rail of corporate suits and pull out something blue, then stop. This isn’t a boys day out in Canary Wharf; horse racing is a country affair, and tweed is the sensible option.
Voted as Draper’s Menswear Brand of the Year in 2018, Manchester-based Marc Darcy certainly know a thing or two about suiting. All styles are covered, but it was their ELLIS Moss Green Check Tweed Three Piece Suit that I was most interested in; a modern take on a tweed classic. While the tailoring is refined and well-executed, the suit is a blend of 20% wool and 80% polyester, so it retains all of the characteristics of a fine outfit, just without the high costs. A slim fit and single breasted jacket sits on top of a matching adjustable waistcoat with plenty of colour liberally splashed across a beautiful jacket lining. The tweed trousers are generous in length, and thick enough to keep you warm even on the coldest days in March. I particularly love the fine blue strip that runs through the check weave; it’s a great colour to match in a tie or socks.
On my feet I went for a pair of classic brown shoes, although the suit would also work well with a pair of loafers in the warmer months. For a shirt, I kept things clean and white; you can go for a country check with any Cheltenham look but I prefer to focus more on the fabric of the suit. As for the tie, this was matched in nicely with that blue that runs through the fabric.
Marc Darcy have plenty of other suits available that can be found here but, if you are looking to invest in a good quality, affordable option that will see you through the race season then the ELLIS suit has you covered.
